Steny H. Hoyer
03/19/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 03/19/2024 12:07
Hoyer Statement on Israeli Forces Killing Second-in-Command of Hamas' Military Wing
WASHINGTON, DC - Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) released the following statement today after the White House confirmed that Israeli forces eliminated the second-in-command of Hamas' military wing, Marwan Issa:
"I was pleased to hear the White House confirm that Israeli forces recently eliminated the second-in-command of Hamas' military wing, Marwan Issa. One of the top Hamas commanders responsible for the brutal October 7 terror attack on Israel, he is the highest-ranking member of the terrorist organization to be killed since the war began. Issa's demise deals a serious blow to Hamas and its ability to carry out future terror attacks on Israeli civilians.
"The international community must continue to give Israel the latitude necessary to eliminate top Hamas commanders and end their terrorist organization's oppressive rule over Gaza, while working to ensure the safety of civilians and their access to food, water, and shelter.
"For this war and humanitarian crisis to end, Hamas must accept the proposals for a temporary ceasefire and the release of the 134 remaining hostages in Gaza. Negotiators from the US and other intermediaries have worked tirelessly to forge these proposals, which Israel has indicated that it would accept. Qatar and other nations that support, back, and finance Hamas ought to put greater pressure on Hamas to follow suit. They need to inflict consequences if Hamas doesn't. Such an agreement is critical to advancing toward a two-state solution that will provide Israelis and Palestinians greater peace and security. Until Hamas meets defeat, we will not be able to secure that vital outcome that is in the best interest of Israelis, Palestinians, and others across the region."
"I was pleased to hear the White House confirm that Israeli forces recently eliminated the second-in-command of Hamas' military wing, Marwan Issa. One of the top Hamas commanders responsible for the brutal October 7 terror attack on Israel, he is the highest-ranking member of the terrorist organization to be killed since the war began. Issa's demise deals a serious blow to Hamas and its ability to carry out future terror attacks on Israeli civilians.
"The international community must continue to give Israel the latitude necessary to eliminate top Hamas commanders and end their terrorist organization's oppressive rule over Gaza, while working to ensure the safety of civilians and their access to food, water, and shelter.
"For this war and humanitarian crisis to end, Hamas must accept the proposals for a temporary ceasefire and the release of the 134 remaining hostages in Gaza. Negotiators from the US and other intermediaries have worked tirelessly to forge these proposals, which Israel has indicated that it would accept. Qatar and other nations that support, back, and finance Hamas ought to put greater pressure on Hamas to follow suit. They need to inflict consequences if Hamas doesn't. Such an agreement is critical to advancing toward a two-state solution that will provide Israelis and Palestinians greater peace and security. Until Hamas meets defeat, we will not be able to secure that vital outcome that is in the best interest of Israelis, Palestinians, and others across the region."